Navigating Scanxiety Without Scans

Scan anxiety, or "scanxiety," is a term many cancer survivors and patients are familiar with. It describes the intense anxiety and fear that can accompany medical check-ups, especially when they involve scans like CT or PET scans. Even when a check-up doesn't include a scan, the feelings of worry and uncertainty can still be overwhelming.

What is Scanxiety?

Scanxiety often arises from the fear of what the scans might reveal. It can also stem from the absence of scans, as some patients, like Karen Cohn, express. Karen, who is in remission from follicular lymphoma, describes her mixed feelings about an upcoming check-up that won't include a scan. For her, scans have been a crucial part of monitoring her health and providing reassurance. However, as she reaches milestones in her remission, the frequency of scans decreases, which, while a positive sign, also brings about its own set of anxieties.

Coping with Scanxiety

If you find yourself feeling anxious about an upcoming check-up or the absence of scans, here are a few strategies that might help:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's completely normal to feel anxious. Recognizing and accepting your emotions can be the first step in managing them.

Stay Informed: Understanding the reasons behind your doctor's decisions can provide some reassurance. For example, Karen's switch from PET scans to CT scans was due to the reduced radiation exposure and the ability to monitor her condition effectively.

Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: Don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with your oncologist. They can provide insights into why certain tests are or aren't being done and what other measures are in place to monitor your health.

Focus on Positive Indicators: Regular blood work and physical exams are still effective tools in monitoring your health. While they might not detect every detail, they can provide important information about your overall well-being.

Seek Support: Talking to others who have experienced similar feelings can be incredibly helpful. Support groups, whether in-person or online, offer a space to share and understand your emotions.

Looking Forward

For many, like Karen, the journey of living with cancer involves ongoing monitoring and the ever-present worry of recurrence. As check-ups become less frequent, it's important to find new ways to cope with these changes and continue focusing on the positives.

Karen's story highlights a common experience among cancer survivors. While the cognitive understanding that fewer scans indicate progress is reassuring, the emotional aspect can still be challenging. By acknowledging these feelings and finding supportive strategies, you can navigate scanxiety more effectively.

Remember, it's a journey, and seeking help and understanding along the way is not only okay—it's encouraged.

For more information and support resources, visit our website at hopeabounds.org.

References: Cohn, K. (2024, July 12). My Feeling of Scanxiety But Without the Scan.